By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

ST. JAMES – St. James picked up the early advantage but St. Charles got the final word in the district opener between the teams Thursday, the Comets picking up a 23-25, 25-15, 25-7, 25-21 win over the Wildcats.

“We know our district is very tough,” said St. Charles coach Kelly Cupit. “So we felt that we needed a win to begin here. We had some mental lapses here and there, but I’ve seen this team come a long way this season.”

Emily Picciola racked up 30 assists and five aces for the Comets. Cori Millet had 12 kills while Peyton Millet added 21 digs. Nicole Doming led in blocks with two.

The Comets led by eight in the first game, but St. James stormed back to take a 1-0 lead in the match.

“Again, just mental errors and they beat us,” said Cupit. “It’s happened to us a few times this season. We get a lead, we should finish, but we don’t put it away.”

But in the second game, St. Charles got rolling early—and didn’t let up.

The Comets won the second game 25-15 and the third 25-7 before closing the Wildcats out in four.

“We’re still finding our way and seeing what works best,” said Cupit. “We’re doing better job of putting the ball away offensively. Overall, we’ve been attacking better.”

The Comets rematched Lusher at home on Tuesday after a loss late last week in New Orleans. SCC pushed the Lions early but ultimately fell 27-25, 25-21, 25-15.

“We fell short on a number of little things that were the difference,” said Cupit.

Chelsea Loupe had 21 digs. Doming added five blocks. Millet had 10 kills and Picciola had 20 assists.

The Comets played three matches at last Saturday’s Lutcher tournament, finishing 1-2 on the day.

Dutchtown defeated SCC in the Comets’ first game, 25-7, 25-15. Millet and Heather Orillion each had nine digs.

The Comets rebounded with a win over Ascension Christian, 25-14, 25-16. Doming led SCC with four kills and two aces.

Despite a late push, SCC concluded play with a loss to Ascension Catholic, 25-13, 26-24.

Orillion had 16 digs and Doming had three kills.